Nominations are now sought from interested local community members for membership of four Marine Park Advisory Committees along the NSW coast, Nicole Strehling, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) Acting Program Leader Marine Operations, has advised.
“Marine parks are special places designed to conserve marine biodiversity and deliver a range of benefits to regional communities, including recreational and commercial uses, research and Aboriginal cultural uses,” Ms Strehling said.
“Each of the six marine parks in NSW has a marine park advisory committee to provide a voice for local communities.
“The committees of four marine parks expire in August - Solitary Islands, Port Stephens - Great Lakes, Jervis Bay and Batemans.”
The advisory committees include up to 12 members and alternates with skills, expertise and knowledge in areas such as Aboriginal culture, fishing, local government, boating, tourism, marine conservation, marine science, recreational water use and the maritime industry to ensure the wide range of community values can be considered. Membership is voluntary.
The NSW Government’s marine estate reforms are committed to revitalising local marine park advisory committees to give local communities a better say in decision-making and to improve consideration of social and economic values.
“The committees are not decision-making bodies, but provide important local advice to the NSW Government on marine park management, including local values, threats, issues and opportunities,” Ms Strehling said.
Successful nominees would be appointed as members of the committee for a term of up to four years.
“Members of the community with relevant skills and experience in one or more of these areas of interest are encouraged to apply. Nominations close 22 September 2019.”
For more information or to download a nomination form, visit https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/advisory-bodies/marine-park-advisory-committees.
